The clutch goes all the way to the floor

Tiny
DANA957
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 FORD RANGER
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 200,000 MILES
The clutch goes all the way to the floor and it does not engage so I can shift gears.
Thursday, November 22nd, 2018 AT 10:20 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,467 POSTS
If this just started overnight; yesterday it worked fine, today it does not. Then the first thing I would do is look for any fluid loss, from a bad line or the slave cylinder failing. Check the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder reservoir. If it is low or empty then it is a good bet you have a leak. If it has gradually gotten worse over time, when was the last time the clutch was serviced or replaced? This sounds like the clutch disc is falling apart not allowing the clutch disc to spin "free" but to be sure let go over these videos and guide to help us fix the problem.

https://youtu.be/EpBMj5ZY_bo

and

https://youtu.be/JpzefqEeVGE

This guide can help as well

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/clutch-doesnt-work-sometimes-or-not-at-all

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Monday, May 3rd, 2021 AT 2:21 PM
Tiny
DANA957
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The fluid reservoir was almost empty so I refilled it that gave me a little clutch. Enough so I could get it in gear. It shifted hard.
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Monday, May 3rd, 2021 AT 2:21 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,467 POSTS
Okay, that sounds like the slave cylinder is likely leaking and it got low enough that it got air into the system. However if the clutch has not been serviced in a while it could just be worn out.
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Monday, May 3rd, 2021 AT 2:21 PM
Tiny
DANA957
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I bought the truck almost a year and a half ago and I have not had it serviced.
Does this mean I may have to bleed the lines? If so how do I do that? How difficult a job is this?
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Monday, May 3rd, 2021 AT 2:21 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,467 POSTS
Personally I would drop the transmission and go through the clutch. Bleeding the clutch is not really difficult but if the unit is leaking it will only be a matter of time before it fails again.
From the service information-

1- Clean area around fluid reservoir cap, then remove cap and fill reservoir with suitable DOT 3 brake fluid.

2- Loosen bleed screw on slave cylinder and wait until a steady stream of fluid is expelled, then tighten screw. Bleeder is on the side of the bell housing, see image.

3- Depress clutch pedal to floor, wait 1-2 seconds, then release pedal as rapidly as possible.

Repeat approximately 10 times. Important as this helps purge air out.

4- Check fluid level in reservoir and fill as required. Do not let it run out or you have to start over.
5- Repeat steps 3 and 4, then reinstall reservoir cap.

6- Hold clutch pedal to floor, crack open bleed screw to allow any additional air to escape, then close screw and release clutch pedal. Check fluid level and adjust as necessary.

7- Start engine, then depress clutch pedal and shift transmission into reverse gear. If gear clash occurs, repeat steps 3 through 6.

Because this is a 2WD truck changing out the clutch is a lot easier, you would need a place to work and to get the truck about a foot higher to be able to drop the transmission down but if you have the tools and time you should be able to do it in about 6 hours or so. In a shop and with practice it's about a 2-3 hour job.

REMOVAL

1. Disconnect battery ground cable, then the clutch master cylinder from clutch pedal.
2. Raise and support vehicle, then remove starter.
3. Disconnect hydraulic coupling at transmission with coupling disconnect tool No. T88T-70522-A or equivalent by sliding white plastic sleeve toward slave cylinder and tugging on tube.
4. Remove transmission. If original components are to be reinstalled scribe pressure plate/cover and fly wheel for assembly reference.
5. Loosen pressure plate and cover attaching bolts evenly until pressure plate springs are completely expanded, then remove bolts.
6. Remove pressure plate, cover assembly, and clutch disc from flywheel. Remove pilot bearing, if required.

If you opt for this you can get a complete clutch kit from RockAuto.com that includes the flywheel, and all the components for around $200.00 plus shipping/tax
But it's all up to you.
This shows the process.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-clutch
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Monday, May 3rd, 2021 AT 2:21 PM

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